 | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 1969–2003 |
| Class | sport bike standard bike |
| Engine | SOHC air-cooled straight 4 (1969-1978) DOHC air-cooled straight 4 (1979–2003) |
| Suspension | Front: telescopic forks Rear: swingarm with two spring/shock units. |
| Brakes | Front disc / Rear drum |
The Honda CB750 is a motorcycle built in several model series between 1969 and 2003 that is recognized as a milestone for Honda's successful introduction of a transverse, overhead camshaft inline four-cylinder engine that has ever since been the dominant sport bike configuration. Though MV Agusta had sold such a model in 1965, and it had been used in racing engines before World War II, the CB750 is recognized as the four-cylinder sport bike that had a lasting impact.The model is included in the AMA Hall of Fame Classic Bikes, the Discovery Channel's "Greatest Motorbikes Ever," and was in The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition.
History
Honda of Japan introduced the CB750 motorcycle to the US and European markets in 1969 after experiencing success with their smaller motorcycles. The bike was targeted directly at the US market after Honda officials (including Soichiro Honda himself) repeatedly met with US dealers and understood the opportunity for a larger bike.
Under development for a year, the CB750 offered two unprecedented features, a front disc brake and a straight-4 engine with an overhead camshaft, neither of which was previously available on a mainstream, affordable production bike. These two features, along with the introductory price of $1495.00 (US), gave the CB750 a considerable advantage over its competition, particularly its British rivals.
Cycle Magazine called the CB750 "the most sophisticated production bike ever" upon its introduction. Cycle World called it a masterpiece, highlighting Honda's painstaking durability testing, the bike's 120 mph top speed, the fade-free performance of the braking, the comfortable ride and excellent instrumentation.
The CB750 was the first modern four-cylinder machine from a mainstream manufacturer and the term Superbike was coined to describe it.The bike offered other important features that added to its compelling value: electric starter, kill switch, dual mirrors, flashing turn signals, easily maintained valves and overall smoothness and freedom from vibration both underway and at a standstill; later models ('91 on) included maintenance-free hydraulic valves. On the other hand, the bike was difficult to get on its center stand and tended to throw chain oil onto its muffler.
Unable to gauge demand for the new bike accurately, Honda limited its initial investment in the production dies for the CB750 by using a technique called permanent mold casting (often erroneously referred to as sandcasting) rather than diecasting for the engines – unsure of the bike's reception. The bike remained in the Honda lineup for ten years, with sales totaling over 400,000 in its life span.
The CB750 is sometimes referred to as a Universal Japanese Motorcycle or UJM, although certainly the bike has earned notoriety of its own.
The Discovery Channel ranked the Honda CB750 third among the top ten greatest motorbikes of all time.
Models
SOHC
The single overhead cam models were produced from 1969 through 1978.[12]
- 1969 CB750K or CB750K0
- 1971 CB750K1
- 1972 CB750K2
- 1973 CB750K3 (US-only, K2 elsewhere)
- 1974 CB750K4 (US/Japan-only, K2 elsewhere)
- 1975 CB750K5 (US-only, K2/K4 elsewhere), CB750F, (Canada-only CB750A)
- 1976 CB750K6, CB750F1, CB750A
- 1977 CB750K7, CB750F2, CB750A1
- 1978 CB750K8 (US-only), CB750F3, CB750A2
DOHC
- 1979-1982 CB750K
- 1979 CB750K 10th Anniversary Edition (5000 produced for U.S.)
- 1979-1981 CB750F
- 1980-1982 CB750C "Custom"
- 1982-1983 CB750SC Nighthawk
- 1991-2003 CB750 Nighthawk
Nighthawk 750
From 1982 through 2003, with the exception of several years, Honda produced a CB750 known as the Nighthawk 750. Early models were designated as the CB750SC Nighthawk while later models were simply known as the Nighthawk 750. It is a more utilitarian machine, a useful and reliable model, notable for its low maintenance needs.
As sport-bikes and cruisers began to dominate the motorcycle marketplace in recent years, the Nighthawk was Honda's attempt to recapture the middle of the market with a "standard" or UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) design.The bike never sold to its maker's expectations.
2007 CB 750
In 2007, Honda Japan announced the sale of a new CB 750 very similar to the models sold in the 1970s. Announced was the CB 750 Special Edition (list price 798,000 yen) which is in the silver colors of the CB 750 AMA racer of the 1970s, and the CB 750 (list price 730,000 yen) in three color schemes reminiscent of CB750s sold previously. As of August 2007, these bikes have only been announced for the Japan domestic market.
Specifications
| Model | Engine displ. | Engine config. | Fuel system | Cam | Valves per cylinder | Power | Torque | Weight | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 CB750 | 736 cc | I4 | 4 carbs, 28 mm Keihin, slide type | SOHC | 2 | 67 hp (50 kW) @ 8000 rpm | 59.8 Nm (44.12 ft·lbf) @ 7000 rpm | 485 lb (220 kg) | Chain |
| 1981 CB750F | 748 cc | I4 | 4 carburetors | DOHC | 4 | 70 hp (52 kW) | 536 lb (243 kg) | Chain | |
| 1982-1983 CB750SC (Nighthawk) | 749 cc (45.5 cu. in.) | I4 | 4 carburetors | DOHC | 4 | 66.57@9000 rpm | 41.54@7500 rpm | 573.5 lb (260.1 kg) Curb Weight, Full Tank | Chain |
| 1991-1993,1995-2003 CB750 (Nighthawk) | 747 cc | I4 | 4 Keihin 34 mm Constant Vacuum carburetors | DOHC | 4 | 75 hp (55.9 kW) @ 8500 rpm | 64 Nm (47.2 ft·lbf.) @ 7500 rpm | 463 lb (210 kg) | Chain |
| 2007 CB750 | 747 cc | I4 | VENAC | DOHC | 4 | 75 hp (55.9 kW) @ 8500 rpm | 64 Nm (47.2 ft·lbf.) @ 7500 rpm | 235 kg | Chain |
Gallery
 A 1969 Honda CB750 (shown fitted with an additional carrier rack) |  |  1982 Honda CB750SC Nighthawk |  1995 Honda CB750 with windshield and saddlebags |
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